Thohoyandou march unites 2 000 against GBV

LIMPOPO – A groundbreaking gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) peaceful march and imbizo held in Thohoyandou delivered a powerful message of unity, hope and decisive action.

On Friday, over 2 000 community members joined the Deputy Minister of Police, Dr Polly Boshielo and other provincial government leaders in a united stand against crime and gender-based violence. The event was spearheaded by the Eyes of the Nation Foundation and supported by an unprecedented coalition of stakeholders. Among the dignitaries present were MEC for Transport and Community Safety Violet Mathye, Vhembe Mayor Freda Nkondo, Thulamela Mayor Sarah Rambuda, SAPS divisional commissioner for detectives and forensic services, Lt Gen Hilda Senthumule, and provincial police commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe along with her management team.

In her crime overview presentation, Hadebe acknowledged positive trends in several crime categories but expressed concern over the persistent high levels of sexual offences and house robberies in Thohoyandou. “People should not live in fear in their own homes, uncertain of who might come to rob, rape, or even kill them,” she said.

The streets of Thohoyandou came alive as citizens from all walks of life marched in solidarity. The main event, held at a packed Thohoyandou Stadium, opened with interdenominational prayers. “This remarkable show of unity proves that when communities come together with government, real change becomes inevitable,” said Senthumule. She spoke of the event’s importance in challenging harmful societal norms that fuel violence.

Nkondo reflected on Thohoyandou’s legacy.

“This town was once known for peace, educational excellence and economic prosperity. Today’s unity shows that we can reclaim that legacy.”

Vhembe district social development director, NB Lalumbe outlined the government’s available support services for victims of abuse. Representatives from civil society organisations such as Empowered Women, Real Men, and Rola Pelo urged communities to take ownership of safety in homes and schools, reinforcing the theme of shared responsibility.

Fannie Kgopa of the Eyes of the Nation Foundation praised the collaboration between law enforcement, traditional leaders, and community groups. “This marks the beginning of sustained, community-driven change,” he said, thanking the deputy minister and the provincial police commissioner for their leadership and support.

The imbizo’s interactive format allowed residents to engage directly with police and government leaders on key issues including school safety, illegal immigration, and addressing the root causes of violence. Mathye commended the initiative and appealed to the deputy minister for additional police resources to improve service delivery in the province.

In her address, Boshielo issued a strong commitment to restoring safety and dignity in the region. “Thohoyandou has consistently topped crime statistics, particularly in rape cases, even involving boys. That ends now. We are here for action, not just words. Just as we defeated serious crimes like cash-in-transit heists in this area, we will defeat gender-based violence,” she concluded.

The deputy minister outlined a 90-day intensive programme to combat GBVF, and positioned the Thohoyandou imbizo as a cornerstone of this national effort. She called on vulnerable groups to break the cycle of abuse and vowed that crimes such as muti killings and house robberies would also be addressed. Traditional leader Thovhele Gole Mphaphuli expressed support for the initiative, urging young people to reject criminal behaviour and substance abuse. He also appealed to communities not to harbour illegal immigrants, which he said exacerbated local challenges.

The imbizo concluded with a strong symbolic gesture with stakeholders from across society signing a pledge committing themselves to the eradication of gender-based violence and femicide.